Wild animals will be banned from travelling circuses after the government bowed to pressure from animal welfare campaigners.

There are at least 33 performing wild animals touring with circuses in Britain, including seven tigers, five lions, eight camels and a 52-year-old elephant.

Animal welfare minister Ben Bradshaw told MPs today that he would introduce regulations to ban the use of certain "non-domestic" species from travelling circuses.

The news was welcomed by animal welfare charities, but circus proprietors reacted with anger.

Mr Bradshaw stressed that the ban would only apply to travelling circuses, not zoos, static circuses or the film and television industry.

He did not specify which animals will be banned form performing, but a spokesman said the list, which will go out for consultation, is likely to include bears, elephants, big cats and monkeys.

He added that ban could be introduced before the end of the year.

The move comes after animal charities criticised the government for stopping short of an outright ban on wild animals in circuses in the animal welfare bill.

Mr Bradshaw said: "I sympathise with the view that performances by some wild animals in travelling circuses are not compatible with meeting their welfare needs."

He said the bill, before Parliament, would ensure some protection for circus animals, but he conceded that it did not go far enough.

"I am not convinced that by itself this element of the bill will provide sufficient clarity to circus proprietors and enforcers on what is permitted and what is not."

Martin Lacey, ringmaster of the Great British Circus, which has the UK's largest collection of performing animals, accused Mr Bradshaw of backtracking on the issue.

He said last month the minister had written to him stating there would be no ban. "We are appalled at Mr Bradshaw's U-turn. This is discrimination in favour of zoos and static circuses and a restraint of trade," he said.

Mr Lacey also accused Mr Bradshaw of giving in to the "emotive and unsubstantiated claims" of animal rights campaigners. "Performing animals are popular with the public, who continue to vote with the feet."

However, campaigners welcomed the announcement. Jan Creamer, chief executive of Animal Defenders International, said: "We are delighted that Defra has responded to the evidence we have presented and to the huge public support for a ban."

Rob Atkinson, the RSPCA's head of wildlife, said: "It remains to be seen which species of animals will fall into the ban, and the society continues to urge that all wild animals be spared the indignity and inadequate welfare facilities associated with performing and travelling with a circus."